March 12, 2021
As of 11:30 a.m., more than 15,000 Albertans had booked on Friday to receive COVID-19 immunization with the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine – raising the total to more than 40,000 since booking opened on Wednesday morning.
The two new groups eligible as of 8 a.m. this morning include all Albertans born in 1959 and 1960 and First Nations, Metis and Inuit born in 1974 and 1975. This means that all Albertans born in 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960, and First Nations, Metis and Inuit people born in 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975, are eligible for Covishield/AstraZeneca.
Bookings have continued throughout the morning through both the AHS online immunization booking tool and Health Link 811.
Albertans began receiving the first doses of Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine Thursday morning and immunization is ongoing at sites across the province.
Albertans born between 1957 and 1960 are able to book their immunization appointment using the AHS online booking tool, and by calling Health Link at 811.
First Nations, Metis and Inuit people born between 1972 and 1975 are able to book an immunization appointment only by calling 811. This is due to the technical constraints of the online booking tool, which at this time cannot be configured to include a cohort of one birth year without allowing every Albertan born in that year access. To avoid delay, and ensure swift, efficient access to immunization, First Nations, Metis and Inuit people born between 1972 and 1975 are asked to book appointments by calling 811.
Pending vaccine supply, additional Albertans will be offered a chance to book in the coming days. Further communication will be issued to advise Albertans on their eligibility.
For individuals who choose not to receive the Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine, we anticipate being able to immunize these individuals using one of the other two vaccine products sometime in May.
Covishield is the brand name of a vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India that is the same as AstraZeneca. This vaccine was approved for use in Canada on February 26, is safe and effective, and will help prevent serious illness.
The estimated rollout plan for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is available on the Alberta Health website. Timelines are subject to change depending on vaccine supply.
For information on the vaccine rollout and how to book an appointment, visit https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17295.aspx
